I don't know Richard and can only speculate, but I wonder if him joining the board is in some way tied in with helping getting the South Stand underway? He could, for example, supply the club with a loan on the kind of favourable terms unavailable on the financial markets, which would mean Mr Newton's quote about "substantial funds" would remain accurate as whatever money came our way would ultimately be repayable? Unlike some of the more conspiracy-minded folk, I've little doubt Newton wants that south stand built asap - it would solve a lot of the gripes from fans in the East Stand in one fell swoop and make segregation far less complicated - plus we really could do with the additional income streams from the gym and sports hall.